Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — If there’s one player on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster who continues to generate intrigue, it’s tight end Darnell Washington.
The mammoth tight end took another step forward during the 2025 season. Already regarded as one of the NFL’s best run-blocking tight ends, Washington continued to expand his role as a pass catcher, finishing with career highs across the board. What’s even more impressive is that many inside the organization believe there’s still another level for him to reach.
One of the biggest points of emphasis this offseason has been his conditioning. Washington admitted he felt he left plenty on the table this offseason. “I feel like I left a lot on the table this offseason. I took a shorter break, but this next offseason has to be bigger for me. I’ve got to stay locked in and stay consistent.”
Washington revealed he played much of last season around the 300-pound mark. While that certainly didn’t stop him from dominating as a run blocker or taking a significant leap as a receiver, it appears Pittsburgh wants him to trim down heading into Year 4.
The emphasis makes sense. Mike McCarthy’s offense has historically leaned more toward the passing game and frequently asks tight ends to be complete players rather than sim
80 • Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia
6-foot-7, 280 pounds, 24 years old, 4th pro season
Acquired: The Steelers selected Washington with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Last Year: Washington enjoyed the best season of his young NFL career in 2025. The former Georgia standout finished with career highs of 31 receptions, 364 receiving yards and one touchdown while continuing to establish himself as one of football’s premier run-blocking tight ends. Perhaps the biggest surprise came after the catch, where the 6-foot-7, nearly 300-pound tight end routinely ran through defensive backs and became one of the more entertaining players on Pittsburgh’s offense whenever he got the ball in space.
Washington has steadily developed into one of the most unique tight ends in the NFL since arriving in Pittsburgh as a third-round pick in 2023. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Washington established himself as one of football’s premier run-blocking tight ends. His rare combination of size, strength and physicality quickly made him a favorite in Pittsburgh’s rushing attack, often functioning as an extra offensive lineman on the edge.
As his career has progressed, so has his role in the passing game. After catching just seven passes as a rookie, Washington nearly tripled that production with 19 receptions in his second season before breaking out in 2025 with career highs of 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown. While his receiving numbers still don’t compare to some of the league’s top pass-catching tight ends, the growth has been evident each season.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been what Washington has done after the catch. At nearly 300 pounds, he’s become one of the...
